Revision as of 12:34, 6 January 2012

2000-06-23 Gustavo Espadas w pts 12 Wethya Sakuangklang, Zamna Poliforum, Merida, Mexico - WBC. Referee: Jay Nady. Scorecards: 116-112, 118-110, 116-113. In retaining the title at the first time of asking, Espadas (126) had to sustain furious assaults from Sakuangklang (126) in rounds eight and nine, but generally dictated matters and finished strongly to well earn the decision. However, it had been a boring affair, not helped by Espadas doing just enough. Booked to defend the title against Erik Morales, the champion injured his shoulder and was forced to pull out, giving Morales the opportunity to stop Kevin Kelley inside seven rounds to win the vacant WBC ‘interim’ title on 2 September at the Don Haskins Centre, El Paso, Texas, prior to meeting Espadas on 17 February 2001.